NAIDOC Week: This week Broken Hill and the rest of Australia celebrated the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week. This year's theme is 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy'. Dieri, Barkindji and Malyangapa woman Corina Kemp says it's important to celebrate the young leaders within the community. Ms Kemp says it's also an important week to reflect and be proud of their deep and rich connection to country, dating back thousands of years.
Picture caption: Wilyakali woman Tanoa Bugmy at a smoking ceremony at Maai Ma Health Aborigial Corportation. Photo credit: ABC Broken Hill/Bill Ormonde
Firearms and ammo seized: A 42-year-old man has been charged after nine firearms and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition were seized on a property 200 kilometres north of Broken Hill. Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside couldn't comment on the case as it's before the courts but says these laws are in place to prevent firearms falling into the wrong hands.
Far West children sing with Youth Orchestra: Last Friday the Wilcannia community children's choir performed at the Broken Hill Civic Centre. The group sung several songs alongside the visiting Sydney Youth Orchestra in front of hundreds of people. The musicians toured as part of a partnership established with the far west through innovative orchestral collaborations. The 70-piece orchestra also stopped in Wilcannia and Broken Hill for a community performance and workshops with school students.
Pre-school contracts awarded: The principal of a local primary school says there's plenty of interest in new pre-kindergarten facilities to be built in Broken Hill and Menindee. Premier Chris Minns announced a plan to build more pre-school facilities across the state back in February last year. The tenders have now been finalised for two local centres. The new pre-schools will be built at Morgan Street Public School and Menindee Central School.
Backing for mining communities: The Broken Hill deputy mayor has welcomed the strong backing for regional mining communities from the recent Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly. The assembly has endorsed the long-standing policy positions of the Australian Mining Cities Alliance, from fairer funding models to housing affordability reforms, to ensure mining communities receive the recognition and financial support they deserve. Deputy Mayor and AMCA representative Jim Hickey says with the backing of local governments across the country he's confident the federal government will listen.
Red alert lifted: Water New South Wales has lifted a red alert warning for blue-green algae in Lake Menindee, which had been in place since March. The lake is now on amber alert, and water users are advised that all untreated water should be considered unsuitable for potable use and boiling doesn't make it safe. Lake Menindee was the last active red alert for algae in the region, with the nearby Pamamaroo and Cowndilla sites also subject to amber alerts as monitoring of local water quality continues.
Footy representation: Four local footballers have been selected to represent the Northern zone at this year's South Australian Country Championships. South Broken Hill's Marc Purcell will represent the region, alongside Central's Jordan Etto in the men's while West's Claire Hardy and Magpies midfielder Elsie Dawes will take the field for the women in Port Pire this weekend. Dawes is a former Sturt player in the SANFL and says it'll be a tough weekend of footy.
Two match bans: Two local footballers have accepted match bans following a contentious match between Central and South at Memorial Oval last weekend. South playing coach Mitchell Henderson and Central player Josh Duncan were reported in separate incidents. Both were facing a four-match ban but opted to accept an early plea and will now miss the next three games. An AFL Broken Hill spokesperson has confirmed Henderson is also restricted from coaching duties in any capacity on these game days.
Football results: It was a heated game between Central and South at the Memorial Oval on Saturday in the men's A grade. The Magpies fought hard but eventually went down by 37 points — the final score 66 to 29. Meanwhile, in the other men's match, injuries to key players brought West back down to earth after two consecutive wins, going down to North by 65 points at Jubilee Oval. In the women's games, West started strong but ultimately couldn't beat North, going down by 39 points while South comfortably beat Central by 44. For round 10 this weekend, North will take on Central at Jubilee Oval for the NAIDOC round.
